Kirtland leaders hope road levy gets green light

In Tim Powell's 18 years on Kirtland City Council, he has only supported placing a tax increase on the ballot three times.

Two of them involved the same road levy in the last year -- a five-year, 2-mill road improvement issue that will be before voters again May 7.

"We wouldn't ask for it if we didn't need it," said the council vice president. "We're running a tight ship and people need to understand that."

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Voters rejected the levy 2,113 to 1,845 in November. If approved, it will cost a homeowner about $60 annually per $100,000 in property value, according to the Lake County Auditor's Office, and yield $508,609 in new revenue.

More than 44 percent of the roads need extensive repairs because they are in either fair or poor condition, based on a citywide inspection, Powell said.

"We're promising to pave at least half of our 70 miles of roads within the five-year levy term," if the levy passes, he said.

In 2012, city revenues were down $565,000 compared to the year prior. A decrease in local government funds, property tax and income tax revenues, and the anticipated loss of inheritance taxes has forced all departments to cut budgets for the last four years, officials said.

The levy passage is crucial to maintaining city roads, Mayor Mark Tyler said.

"If necessary repairs are not made, the roads will continue to deteriorate, leading to more extensive repairs, and, in some cases, up to 25 percent in additional repair cost," he said.

"In the last five years, the cost of road materials has also increased substantially and that cost is expected to continue to escalate.

"Without passage of this levy, the budget only allows for minimal and/or emergency repairs to the roads. Additionally, the city will be limited in pursuing outside grants due to the local funding match requirements."

The last citywide comprehensive paving program ended nearly 20 years ago. The city has no existing road levy.